5.1
What is the purpose of this chapter? This chapter provides the Service’s policy
governing the management of recreational wildlife photography programs on
units of the National Wildlife Refuge System (Refuge System). In an effort to
avoid redundancy, we have placed critical information and guidance for all
wildlife-dependent recreation (hunting, fishing, wildlife observation and
photography, environmental education and interpretation) in 605 FW 1. Read 605 FW 1 with
this chapter for complete information for planning and implementation
purposes.

5.2What is the
scope of this chapter? The policies contained in this chapter apply
to recreational wildlife photography programs within the Refuge System. See 605 FW 1 and other chapters
and regulations governing policies, guidelines, and procedures for additional
information. Refer to the administration of specialized and economic uses
chapter in the Refuge Manual (RM) at 5 RM 17 and the audio-visual productions
chapter (8 RM 16) for policies and procedures related to activities
associated with professional guide services and commercial filming and news
photography, respectively.

5.3
What is our policy regarding recreational wildlife photography in the Refuge
System?

A. The overarching
goal of our wildlife-dependent recreation policy is to enhance opportunities
and access to quality visitor experiences on refuges and to manage the refuge
to conserve fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats (see 605 FW 1.6).

B. Recreational
wildlife photography is an appropriate use of the Refuge System when
compatible. It is also a priority general public use of the Refuge System and
should receive enhanced consideration over other nonpriority uses. We
strongly encourage refuge managers to provide visitors with quality
compatible recreational wildlife photography opportunities. Recreational
wildlife photography programs will promote understanding and appreciation of
natural resources and their management on all lands and waters in the Refuge
System. We encourage refuge staff to develop and take full advantage of
opportunities to work with other partners who have an interest in helping us
promote quality wildlife photography programs on refuges.

C. We cover
commercial photography permit requirements under the audio-visual productions
chapter in the Refuge Manual (see 8 RM 16, 43 CFR 5.1, and 50 CFR 27.71)
and also 5 RM 17, Administration of Specialized Uses. Commercial photography
is prohibited without a valid special use permit.

5.4
What are the guiding principles of the Refuge System’s wildlife photography
programs? The
guiding principles of the Refuge System’s recreational wildlife photography
programs are to:

5.5
What authorities allow us to support wildlife photography in the Refuge
System? See
605 FW 1.3, for laws and
Executive orders that govern wildlife photography in the Refuge System.

5.6
What does the term ‘commercial photography’ mean? Commercial
photography is a visual recording (motion or still) by firms or individuals
(other than news media representatives) who intend to distribute their photographic
content for money or other consideration. This includes the creation of
educational, entertainment, or commercial enterprises as well as advertising
audio-visuals for the purpose of paid product or services, publicity, and
commercially oriented photo contests.

5.7
How do we foster public stewardship in our recreational wildlife photography
programs?
Refuge managers provide opportunities for visitors to photograph wildlife to
instill an appreciation for the value of and need for fish and wildlife
habitat conservation. Refuges provide enhanced opportunities to photograph
wildlife in their natural habitat by providing platforms, brochures,
interpreters, viewing areas, and tour routes. Refuge managers should seek to
develop partnerships with organizations that promote wildlife photography and
that value wildlife resources.

5.8
What are some examples of tools we can use to support our wildlife
photography programs? The refuge manager should consider the following
examples of tools as guidelines and continually use their creativity and
ingenuity when providing opportunities that highlight the uniqueness of a
particular refuge.

A.
Developed Photography Sites. Developing specific areas for visitors to
photograph wildlife enhances the opportunity for quality wildlife photography
experiences and limits the area of disturbance to wildlife and habitat.
During the planning process, refuge managers should work with visitor
services professionals to locate and design facilities that minimize
disturbance to wildlife and habitat and maintain a quality visitor
experience. Developed photography sites provide a centralized area for
visitors to photograph and create a safe, quality experience. Examples of
such developments include trails, boardwalks in wet areas, photography
platforms, blinds, vehicle pullouts, information kiosks, identification
signs, and automobile tour routes. Refuge managers must weigh the benefits of
enhancements to wildlife photography with any changes in existing habitat as
well as any potential harm to wildlife’s life history requirements. If a
potential facility modification for people with disabilities would cause harm
to the setting’s appearance, environmental features, or historic character,
we will make efforts to provide alternative access to the activity.

B.
Information.
Information distribution is an invaluable management tool as well as a means
to promote wildlife photography opportunities. Information, distributed
through various media, should communicate available wildlife photography
opportunities, best viewing times, techniques that emphasize respect for
wildlife through the minimization of visitor impacts on wildlife, access
point information, photographer etiquette, regulations, restrictions,
management concerns, and management objectives. Examples of ways to provide
information include the Internet, bird/plant/mammal check lists, brochures,
maps, books, and staffed information desks. Distributing information is a way
to direct visitor use to appropriate areas; provide managers with the
opportunity to present the refuge, Refuge System, and Service messages to
visitors; and foster visitor appreciation and stewardship. See 605 FW 7, Interpretation,
for guidance on interpretive programs.

C.
Specialized Equipment or Facilities. In cases where direct wildlife photography
would be detrimental to sensitive species or habitats, refuge managers may
develop facilities that provide remote photography opportunities. Refuge
managers may, for example, install wildlife photography blinds to shield
sensitive wildlife from the human activity associated with photography.
Refuge managers may also install remote video cameras in dens, nests, or
hacking towers to allow photographers to obtain footage or still photographs
of sensitive wildlife from off-site.

For information on the specific content of this chapter, contact
the Division of Conservation, Planning and Policy. For information about this
website, contact Krista Bibb in the Division of Policy and Directives
Management, at Krista_Bibb@fws.gov.